Description

Frankenstein (Universal, 1931). One Sheet (27" X 41") Style
A.
One of only six copies known to exist, Heritage has the exceedingly
rare privilege of presenting this incredible stone litho one sheet,
a stunning prize that collectors have always dreamed of owning. To
say that the 1931 horror classic Frankenstein was monumental
would be more than a gross understatement. It is, perhaps, the most
influential film in Hollywood history. Not only did this adaptation
of Mary Shelley's classic novel bring the young horror genre into
the mainstream, but it also provided the horror vocabulary we know
today: the mad scientist, the misunderstood monster, the angry
villagers carrying torches, the dark laboratory filled with science
fictional devices, and the creepy assistant. All of these staple
creative elements owe their existence to this masterpiece. Director
James Whale and makeup artist Jack Pierce made a lasting impact
when they brought Mary Shelley's Monster to life with Boris
Karloff's terrifying visage and ultimate performance. Rather than
simply "monumental," this film is the stuff of legends. The image
of Karloff, as seen on this poster, with his flat head and bolts
coming out of the neck, was the first such image that any audience
laid eyes on. And it would become one of the most recognizable and
iconographic images of a monster in the twentieth century. Another
piece of this kind may not surface for many years, making this an
opportunity not to be ignored. A great sweeping image featuring
portraits of all the major players, this poster once showed tears
and chipping in the borders and body of the poster prior to its
restoration. There was a section of paper loss in the right border
and interior through Mae Clarke's upper image, a thin strip of
paper loss through Dwight Frye's image into the "A" of the title,
and the black Universal credit box at the bottom has been replaced.
The poster was once mounted on board, resulting in some areas of
surface paper loss on the verso. However, Karloff's iconic Monster
and cast members have their images intact in this wonderful,
display-ready acquisition. Heritage sold another copy of this
poster over 13 years ago for almost $190,0000. Good+ on Linen.